News
09 October 2017, 10:34
Gold, glaciers and grizzly bears
Saga's Yukon and Alaska tour combines railroad journeys into wilderness with a week’s scenic cruising
Pan for gold, watch for grizzly bears and cruise into Glacier Bay on Saga’s new Yukon Gold and Wild Alaska holiday.
It was a perilous route North for 19th century Gold Rush stampeders but Saga guests can follow their journey in comfort on railroad rides through incredible Canadian landscapes.
The 21-night holiday starts with a three-night stay in Whitehorse, a base to visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, Yukon Transportation Museum and Beringia Interpretive Centre.
A scenic ride on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad to Skagway puts a focus on the Gold Rush and in Dawson there’s a call to Discovery Claim where the first piece of Yukon gold was discovered in 1896. Guests can also pan for a gold nugget to take home from Claim 33 Gold Panning.
Tours of Tombstone Territorial Park and Denali National Park and Preserve are also on the itinerary. Denali is a six-million acre wilderness of tundra, forest and glaciers where grizzly bears, wolves and moose make their home.
The Alaska Railroad sightseeing train takes guests to Anchorage and Kenai Fjords National Park for a guided walk to Exit Glacier. Seward and the Alaskan capital of Juneau are next on the schedule before guests board MS Noordam for scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park for spectacular views of fjords, forests and mountains.
Guests can also step ashore on Revillagigedo Island to visit Ketchikan in the Tongass National Forest before a sailing along the Inside Passage, arguably the most scenic sea-lane in the world.
The 1,916-passenger ship offers full-board accommodation and has a choice of dining venues from the formal dining room which serves five-course meals to the alfresco grill restaurant or buffet-service lido restaurant. Entertainment includes a show lounge, nightclub, casino, cinema, fitness centre and pool. Guests can also relax in the library, spa or one of the bars.
The cruise ends in Vancouver and guests disembark to join a tour of the city before the homeward flight. Those who want to extend their stay can choose from a three-night pre or post-holiday stay at the Georgian Court Hotel (4Q) in the Vancouver’s downtown or opt for three nights at the Marriott Inner Harbour (4Q) on Vancouver Island, in Victoria, British Columbia. Single room supplements apply.
For details call free on 0800 056 0464 or visit saga.co.uk/USA
Notes to editors
21 nights from £4,999 departing London Heathrow to Vancouver on May, 14, 28 and August 20. Price includes VIP door-to-door service, return flights and transfers, 13 nights in hotels – three nights in Best Western Gold Rush Inn (3Q) and Downtown Hotel(3Q)in Dawson; two nights at the Springhill Suites (3Q) in Fairbanks and Denali Grizzly Bear Resort (3Q); overnights at the Springhill Suites (3Q) in Anchorage, the Tok Hotel (2Q), in Tok and Windsong Lodge (3Q) in Seward; seven nights on board ship and one night in flight, 35 meals (20 breakfasts, seven lunches and eight dinners) Saga tour manager, welcome reception drink, porterage, optional travel insurance and additional cancellation rights, or a discount passenger has own insurance.
Saga has created four ‘Time to’ holiday styles: Go for it, Stay & Explore, Discover and Unwind. Each style helps guests decide on a holiday that feels right for them. Yukon Gold and Wild Alaska is Discover (Pace 2).
Saga is a specialist in the provision of products and services for life after 50. The Saga brand is one of the most recognised and trusted brands in the UK and is known for its high level of customer service and its high quality, award-winning products and services including cruises and holidays, insurance, personal finance and publishing. Visit saga.co.uk